Welcome to Following the Whispers blog

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit. Hope you enjoy your stay. I blog here whenever I feel the need. This blog was created at the time my memoir came out, in February, 2009. Its motto was: creating a life of inner peace and self-acceptance from the depths of despair. Now, my focus is sharing this journey we call life.

“Only one thing is more frightening than speaking your truth, and that is not speaking it.” Naomi Wolf

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs…(And) if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.” Theodore Roosevelt

Insecure Writers Support Group

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

What now?

First of all, I would like to honor and remember all the veterans who have served our country. I am especially remembering my Dad today. He participated in D-Day in North Africa during World War II and was hit by shrapnel that killed three of his buddies. He came home a different man, I'm told, as do many veterans. I don't think you can witness and/or participate in the kinds of things they have to do and not be changed. Thank you for helping to keep us safe.

On a more personal note, my book tour is done. Thank you once again to all who hosted me and the many others who left wonderful comments and words of support and encouragement. I am so so grateful. I've had my book signing. And so I ask myself, what now?

At this point in my life, writing isn't a career. It's just something I seem to have to do. And I love doing it (sometimes, lol). I have ideas for other things, but no impetus to begin anything just yet. I'm in what I call the cloud of unknowing (the title of a book written by an anonymous monk in the 14th century). Isn't that a wonderful phrase?

The cloud of unknowing, where I open myself up and ask Spirit, "what would you have me do?"
In the past this has been a place of huge angst. Now, it is a peaceful place because I know, just as I listened to the voice that asked me to write The Wishing Steps, whatever comes will be what I'm meant to do.

They always say write another book, but that's not what some of us want to do. You can continue finding ways to spread the word. Small ways that don't overwhelm but keep the momentum going.Your father was one of the lucky ones.

Chrys, thanks so much. I'm saying it's not a career because I'm 66, not because of how much money I make or don't make - just for clarificationAlex, yes, I'm pondering some of those small things - thank you - and yes, my father was lucky he survived (and so am I, since I wouldn't be here if he didn't).Hilary, it's so interesting that none of them talked about their experiences, isn't it?

"I quote Martha Graham on making dance: "It is not your business to determine how good it is, nor how valuable it is, nor how it compares with other expressions." Graham goes on to write to her friend Agnes DeMille that it is only her business to keep it uniquely hers. She understood that our lives are as individual as snowflakes. That we must, if we are artists -- hell, if we are human beings -- be focused only on the work, and letting go. The work, and letting go."

Dani Shapiro

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“Success is a finished book, a stack of pages each of which is filled with words. If you reach that point, you have won a victory over yourself no less impressive than sailing single-handed around the world.